“As a local and regional Councillor as well as Halton Regions representative at FCM it is important that I present the challenges we are facing here,” said Somerville. “I am honoured to be asked by the President to sit on the Municipal Infrastructure Forum and the International Trade Working groups. Both groups will work closely with the Federal Government on these important issues. I thank Chair Carr and Mayor Bonnette for their continued support as well as the support I receive from all my Council colleagues and staff that allows me to work as a Board member with the FCM. Whether it is rural, housing, transit, policing or other issues I try to provide the Halton snapshot.”
The week’s most significant achievement was the launch of the Government of Canada’s new infrastructure planning process. The plan promises to stop the decline in our municipal infrastructure and build the roads, bridges, water and transit systems we need to support our families, businesses and economic growth.
In recent years, the federal government has worked with Halton Region and other municipalities to repair aging infrastructure, but 40 % of federal-municipal funding is set to expire by 2014. The new, long-term plan promised by the government will protect essential investments and reduce the burden on local property taxpayers in the years ahead.
The federal government laid out a clear timetable to take stock of recent investments in cities and communities, identify where investments need to be made in the future, and replace soon to expire programs with a new generation of long-term infrastructure investments.
"In the last few years, federal and municipal governments have worked more closely than ever to fight the economic crisis and rebuild Canada's aging roads, bridges, and water systems," said FCM President Berry Vrbanovic. "Together, we can tear down the silos that prevent us from serving taxpayers in the best way possible. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Canada."
Municipal leaders also received a report about FCM’s meeting this week with the Prime Minister. FCM representatives talked with the Prime Minister about how federal and municipal governments have worked together to fight the recession and how they can continue working together to keep Canada's economic foundations secure.
Municipal leaders also heard Liberal Leader Bob Rae and NDP leader Nicole Turmel discuss what their parties are doing to strengthen the economy, support communities, and protect property taxpayers from offloading by other governments.
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